Looked at this so thought I'd add it.

A rather crude measure of obesity but you can calculate your body mass index at

http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/yourweight/bmi.shtml

if anyone wants to know.

Remember it doesn't take into account general build or whether weight is due to muscle or fat, simply based on height and weight.

I don't know my weight but it's somewhere between 8 and 9 stone,which would give me a healthy bmi for my height,however not much of it is muscle!:D

it is only a rough measure, but a useful one.

Ooh... I'm virtually on the boundary between ideal and overweight... BMI of 24.91 (6"3, 14st 3lb).

Is it worth eating only carrots for a month? ...nah.

BMI alone isn't actually that good a measure as it takes no account of body composition - I have a BMI of 26.16 or in the overweight section. I'm sure anyone from here who has met me would say I'm probably a bit towards the underweight rather than the overweight!!!

u overweight?!?! i think not somehow!!!

23.57 is mine apparently, but then my legs are all muscle, and my belly is all fat!!!!!! probably overweight realli!! ah well... who cares, will have to eat less salad!!!

woo hoo healthy 23.76
:thumbsup:

28.99! I am Jabba the Hut.

*Falls sobbing into his chip butty*

21.5, then again it is all fat.

Doesn't muscle weigh more though?

Wilf

16.58?!
I didn't even use to make it onto these stupid charts. Why aren't there any weight gain diets out there ;)

Sounds like you need Evil Dr Neils Patented McDonnalds and Chocolate Cheesecake Diet - Hmmm I really need to work on that title!!

Originally posted by BrainThrust
21.5, then again it is all fat.

Doesn't muscle weigh more though?

Wilf

Yes it does.

25.90 which ain't so bad as I have weakness to chocolate.

says i should lose weight :(

same here! hence why im joining the gym next month :thumbsup:

I'm obese. That's nice. :rolleyes:

Mimi - if you want to join a gym, come to Greens with me, I need a training companion!

how much is greens?? i need someone to go with too, otherwise i wont be too bothered. is there a sauna?? swimming pool etc? sorry to go ff topic slightly!

Argh nooo! I'm 25.26, which makes me 0.26 over weight! arrgggh!
Oh well, didn't need a BMI Calculator to tell me I got some pudge round me middle :P

Will leave the biscuits alone now... Or maybe an extra half hour at the gym could compensate? I've gone everyday and been ever so good... :D

Oh well, I'm glad I'm not massively over weight... My belly should be easy to shift with a few more tummy crunches and I'm hardly going to become a recluse over my jelly belly am I? :P

Oh well, at least I look fab in my bikini ;)

24.54 but not an ounce of fat on me

conclusion - inherently flawed, like i said in another thread i'm sure the england rugby team would all be overweight but all are really fit :roll:

measuring body fat must be a better indication of potential health status

I think the BMI presumes your weight is in fat and not in muscle. :)

Chris.

Surprise, surprise I need to lose weight, so I'll be walking to the office in the mornings and walking back in the evening, I suppose I should type this while on the exercise bike but I'm not that much of a fat fundamentalist.

Regardless of my ever increasing greed, I'm only just inside the 'ideal' bracket. hooray...

Erm, can I just analyse this a bit? you put your weight and height in and it tells you if you're fat or not? Does anyone really take that seriously? What a stupid way to make us feel paranoid. like everyone is the same . stupid stupid stupid!!!

Originally posted by Andy78
Erm, can I just analyse this a bit? you put your weight and height in and it tells you if you're fat or not? Does anyone really take that seriously? What a stupid way to make us feel paranoid. like everyone is the same . stupid stupid stupid!!!

exactly! doesn't take body frame into account or male/female etc

i guess it isn't devised to provide a detaled analysis but people will draw potentially false conclusions as to how healthy/unhealthy they are

It gets even scarier - there's a link there to a "life expectancy calculator"..

However remember the old joke about the guy who's given up alcohol, cigarettes and fast women: "Does it make you live for ever?" "No, but it sure feels like it.."

Striver

Caprice I noticed in your post that you say extra stomach crunches will get rid of your belly. Unfortunatly they wont.

The only thing which will reduce fat is CV work. ie. running on the treadmill, doing the cross trainer etc...

Stomach crunches are useless as the muscle will not show through because of the layer of fat covering it. Sorry if this sounds bad, it isn't meant to and I'm also in the same boat myself.

I've been going to the gym for a few months now and haven't noticed a great deal of change apart from my legs seem a bit more more toned. My belly is still as flabby as ever that's why I'm laying off the wine and chocolate for a few weeks! Hell :(

im actually suprised to be 20.53!

i eat (can be verified by Fuzzy) loads and loads of juck food! and rubbish.

wow cool. and all you need is a paper round and to walk to school (approx 2miles each day total)

Originally posted by steelblade
The only thing which will reduce fat is CV work. ie. running on the treadmill, doing the cross trainer etc...

Unfortunately this in incorrect too! The only thing that will reduce body fat is a negative energy ballance (i.e. eat less than you expend!) and the most effective way of doing this is increasing lean muscle mass as that increases the bodies basal metabolic rate and increases the amount of calories you burn all the time. If you don't want to do the weight training (and dont worry you wont end up looking like Arnie without the right genes, workng out for hours each day for years and possibly steroids!) try high intensity interval training (HIIT) - http://www.wsu.edu/~strength/hiit.htm

I was told at my Gym that the only way I could reduce fat was to do CV work. Obviously I have to cut down on eating rubbish aswell.

At the minute when I use the treadmill I alternate between running and walking. I have been told that this is a quicker/better? way of getting fit. I also use the X trainer.

I then use weights and finally the rower.

At first I was worried about using weights because I had visions of looking like a ladyboy :D but I have been assured this wont happen.

I hope this is correct information otherwise I'll be very annoyed!

Originally posted by steelblade
At the minute when I use the treadmill I alternate between running and walking. I have been told that this is a quicker/better?

you mean that alternating between running and walking is better than just running??

i guess you're trying to say that you burn more calories as you stay on the treadmill a lot longer rather than burning yourself out after say a 20 minute run?

Originally posted by steelblade
I was told at my Gym that the only way I could reduce fat was to do CV work. Obviously I have to cut down on eating rubbish aswell.

At the minute when I use the treadmill I alternate between running and walking. I have been told that this is a quicker/better? way of getting fit. I also use the X trainer.

I then use weights and finally the rower.

At first I was worried about using weights because I had visions of looking like a ladyboy :D but I have been assured this wont happen.

I hope this is correct information otherwise I'll be very annoyed!

CV work is A way to reduce fat but by no means the only way - or even the best way! For more information I would recommend this site:

http://www.stumptuous.com/weights.html

However a couple of VERY important points about exercise routines:

1. YMMV! theres is no one fitness prescription for everyone you have to try things and see what works for you - people react in different ways so take everything people tell you with a pinch of salt!

2. The best fitness routine is one you stick with so find something you enjoy! For example I know running is good but it bores the tits off me so if I want to do CV I go boxing which is good CV and I enjoy it!

3. It will only work if you are doing it for you - if you are exercising for someone else then you won't last!

Hey steelblade, I know what you're saying about the tummy crunch thing... But obviously thats not all I'm doing... The tummy crunch is what I use once I've knackered my legs out and can't stand anymore!!! lol! It keeps my body going and I'm still doing something, as opposed to laying there and waiting for my legs to recover...
I agree with the thing about the CV training being the best... I agree, but like someone else said, it isn't the only way to do it, and also it does tire you out quickly if you go at it too intensely... Everyone has a plan, mine's quite a good one, me thinks... The cool down at the end keeps me energized enough to be able to climb up the steps after I've gotten changed after my workout lol... :)

I find this sort of plan works for me, but obviously I vary it from time to time, otherwise I'd just get bored!

1. Warm up, with stretches for all the major muscles, pehaps a quick run on the spot to loosen up too...

2. After I'm all loosened up, I start off on the steppers, on a low setting like level 4, and work at that pace for 2 minutes, then go up to 6, for about 4 minutes, then up to 8 for as long as I can stand!!! (It really gets your legs going and you're ususally dripping in sweat eww!) as I start to feel the burn, after 6-8 minutes, I then go up to level 10 on the steppers (highest is 12) and do 2 minutes of concentrated stepping, as fast as I can, then start winding down, going down 3 levels at a time to cool down a bit... Finish up on either 3 or 4 and step slowly to allow the legs to cope with the slower pace... Continue for 2 or 3 minutes then get off...

3. Then I work on my arms, using the machine which you push round in circles (cant remember its name) and build up the levels more slowly, as my arms are a lot weaker than my legs and I find it hard to put the extra strength in, needed for the higher levels...

4. A few tummy crunches using the weird looking piece of apparatus that is on the floor! Probably about 20 or something, until I feel it really burning!!

5. Now onto the bikes, 20 minutes at varying speeds... start off low, build up higher and higher to a all time high after 15 minutes, then go down the levels and let the body cool down as you continue to exercise...

6. Then onto the rowing machine... 10 minutes of rowing on the highest setting.... Really gets your heart racing! (Well it does mine lol)

7. Scoot off to the treadmill, and power walk! (I do not run, unless I have the entire gym to myself!!) Keep power walking, increasing the speed and using the arms etc... Obviously cool down after 10 minutes or so...

8. 10 tummy crunches, then go to the weights and toning thingymebobs... I like the one where you push the weights by extending your legs onto the bord infront of you... Thats good, is that one!

9. After I've toned up, straight down to the health suite, cossie on and chill in the sauna and jacuzzi! yay!


I really like my workout at the gym, I go everyday and I always feel better for it! I can see the difference in my clothes, my bikini (the original incentive for working out) looks fab on me and I feel a lot more confident about showing off my legs, because they look so toned and thinner!!! yay!

I used to work out at a gym in Long Eaton, owned by Shaun Davis *who*. It put me off when I once saw him with a syringe in his hand.:mad:

WOW Caprice you do loads more than me! No wonder I haven't lost any of my belly.

Here's what I do. Some pointers or tips for improvement would be great if you have any.

1. Treadmill - I walk for 8 minutes at a fairly fast speed and every two minutes I increase the gradient. I then drop the gradient down to number 1 for and walk very fast from minutes 8-9. Next I run for two minutes, walk for one minute at a fast pace, run for two minutes etc..until I have done 25 minutes.

2. Cross Trainer - I use the cross trainer at level 3 for 12 minutes using varying profiles. I try and keep my rpm (whatever it is) between 120 and 140. I'm usually around the 140 mark.

3. I then use the machines. I don't have a particular order.

*Leg press - I do two sets of 15
*Glute Machine (dont know its proper name) 2 sets of 15
*Stomach crunches - front and both sides for as many as I can manage really.
*Abductor - 2 sets of 15
*Adductor - 2 sets of 15
(Again I don't know if these are their proper names, they are the machines for your inner and outer thighs)
* I use a machine for my arms and chest with is like two handles that you pull back, no idea what its called
* i use a tricep thing which Is like a handle attached to weights which I pull down on, i do 2 sets of 15
*I use the tricep thing again but this time i'm pulling it up.
* I finish off using the rower for 8 - 10 mins, although I can't always be bothered with the rower
*I also use a machine for my lower back

I would say my legs have become more toned and I'm quite happy with them. However my belly doesn't seem to have shifted at all. I've got so desperate that I'm on a no wine no chocolate regime for a few weeks. I'm going on holiday at the end of July and the other girl going is a total fitness bod with a perfectly flat belly. I don't want to be the blubber belly at the side of her! It's sooo not fair :D

Originally posted by caprice
Hey steelblade, I know what you're saying about the tummy crunch thing... But obviously thats not all I'm doing... The tummy crunch is what I use once I've knackered my legs out and can't stand anymore!!! lol! It keeps my body going and I'm still doing something, as opposed to laying there and waiting for my legs to recover...
I agree with the thing about the CV training being the best... I agree, but like someone else said, it isn't the only way to do it, and also it does tire you out quickly if you go at it too intensely... Everyone has a plan, mine's quite a good one, me thinks... The cool down at the end keeps me energized enough to be able to climb up the steps after I've gotten changed after my workout lol... :)

I find this sort of plan works for me, but obviously I vary it from time to time, otherwise I'd just get bored!

1. Warm up, with stretches for all the major muscles, pehaps a quick run on the spot to loosen up too...

2. After I'm all loosened up, I start off on the steppers, on a low setting like level 4, and work at that pace for 2 minutes, then go up to 6, for about 4 minutes, then up to 8 for as long as I can stand!!! (It really gets your legs going and you're ususally dripping in sweat eww!) as I start to feel the burn, after 6-8 minutes, I then go up to level 10 on the steppers (highest is 12) and do 2 minutes of concentrated stepping, as fast as I can, then start winding down, going down 3 levels at a time to cool down a bit... Finish up on either 3 or 4 and step slowly to allow the legs to cope with the slower pace... Continue for 2 or 3 minutes then get off...

3. Then I work on my arms, using the machine which you push round in circles (cant remember its name) and build up the levels more slowly, as my arms are a lot weaker than my legs and I find it hard to put the extra strength in, needed for the higher levels...

4. A few tummy crunches using the weird looking piece of apparatus that is on the floor! Probably about 20 or something, until I feel it really burning!!

5. Now onto the bikes, 20 minutes at varying speeds... start off low, build up higher and higher to a all time high after 15 minutes, then go down the levels and let the body cool down as you continue to exercise...

6. Then onto the rowing machine... 10 minutes of rowing on the highest setting.... Really gets your heart racing! (Well it does mine lol)

7. Scoot off to the treadmill, and power walk! (I do not run, unless I have the entire gym to myself!!) Keep power walking, increasing the speed and using the arms etc... Obviously cool down after 10 minutes or so...

8. 10 tummy crunches, then go to the weights and toning thingymebobs... I like the one where you push the weights by extending your legs onto the bord infront of you... Thats good, is that one!

9. After I've toned up, straight down to the health suite, cossie on and chill in the sauna and jacuzzi! yay!


I really like my workout at the gym, I go everyday and I always feel better for it! I can see the difference in my clothes, my bikini (the original incentive for working out) looks fab on me and I feel a lot more confident about showing off my legs, because they look so toned and thinner!!! yay!

blimey that's a workout! :o how often do you do that?!

Once a day, everyday bedhead :D Needless to say, I have no trouble sleeping by the time I go to bed!

I prefer a simple program. Run for 30 mins with a target distance of 5 k's, 3 sets of 30 crunches, 3 sets of 20 situps, random selection of upper body/arm machines, 10 mins on a cycle. Takes about 1 hour.

Some pointers or tips for improvement would be great if you have any.

Definately more CV work... You do a lot to start off with, but if I were observing you in the gym, I'd probably see you burnt out after the intense CV work at the beginning of your work out...

Try structuring it different, perhaps a bit of CV work to start with (after stretches ofcourse) then some toning, or floor work etc, then more CV, bit more toning etc... This way, you allow yourself to get all sweaty and feel the muscles start to burn, then just as you start to burn yourself out, you should be in perfect timing for a round of floor work etc... The floor work, or the slow pace of the toning machines will allow your heart rate to drop and just as it does, and you regain normal breathing and heart rate, bump it back up again...

You'll really have to keep trying different methods to find something thats going to work for you... What you do is okay, perhaps a little too much on the toning machines, but remember its what works for you that counts. If you're after the flat tum like I am, definately more CV, incorporated into the workout... Perhaps once you've worked out, go for a swim... (Unless you're totally knackered!!)

Come to think of it, I need to step up my routine this week, as I'm going back to school and I also have an office job, so there'll be loads more sitting around than I have been used to of late, so I'll have to get moving again!!!!

Good luck steelblade :)

Thanks Caprice.

I am trying a Body Pump class tonight before my work out.

One of the gym instructors told me it's a really good class and will get me fit in no time.

I know what you mean about alternating my programme. I think I'm going to ignore what they gym instructors have told me and I'm going to do a bit of "trial and error".

I'm going to start using the stepper as I've heard this is great for burning fat. If it doesn't work I'll just go back to the cross trainer.

I might also start swimming again. When I first started using the gym I did used to swim a lot but just got a bit fed up of sharing my lane with 20 other swimmers! I started to get "swimming rage":D

I'm also trying to cut down on bread to see if this makes a difference to my big belly. It may just be my imagination but after only one week of no wine, crisps or choccy my belly seems a bit smaller.

I'll let you know how the body pump class goes.

i wish i could just concentrate on CV!

gets quite difficult having to psyche myself up for lifting weights sometimes especially when tired :( would luv to just prance about!!

having said that, you'd be surprised at the amount of calories burned through lifting weights

i dont need no test to tell me im underweight, but hey, i eat mre or less 12 hours a day and never change so some would say thats lucky, i never win on a see saw though

Well I did the Body Pump class last night and by God my legs are killing me.

It was very very hard work. I ache all over like I've never done any excercise in my life.

I will give it another go next week. I couldn't take anymore of it again this week.

Originally posted by steelblade
Well I did the Body Pump class last night and by God my legs are killing me.

It was very very hard work. I ache all over like I've never done any excercise in my life.

I will give it another go next week. I couldn't take anymore of it again this week.

haha good stuff
you'll reap the benefits long term if you keep it up so good on ya gal :thumbsup: